Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
TV/Streaming: ABC; streaming on theUFL.com app / Fubo
Series: Week 4 rematch of the heated UFL rivalry (Battlehawks won the Week 1 opener 16-10 in St. Louis on March 28).
Weather Update
Game-time conditions at Audi Field are forecast to be mild and mostly sunny for mid-April, with daytime highs around 72-78°F (cooling into the upper 60s by evening kickoff) and light southeast winds at 6-10 mph. Humidity will sit in the 45-55% range with only a 10-15% chance of isolated showers. These spring conditions should play neutral-to-slightly favorable for passing, with no major wind or precipitation concerns expected. The total is set around 46-47 points in a classic outdoor UFL environment.
Team Records & Recent Form
Battlehawks (2-1, 4th in UFL standings, PF ~72, PA ~55): St. Louis opened with a gritty 16-10 defensive victory over these same Defenders in Week 1, then split the next two games while showing balance on both sides of the ball. They rank near the top in sacks and takeaways but have been tested on the road. Recent form highlights a stout defense that forces turnovers and an efficient offense led by veteran play.
Defenders (2-1, 3rd in UFL standings, PF ~68, PA ~52): As the defending UFL champions, D.C. dropped the Week 1 rivalry game but bounced back strongly with two solid wins, including a road victory in Columbus. They boast one of the league’s better point differentials and excel in red-zone efficiency at home, though the early loss to St. Louis exposed some early-season rust. Home record this season: 1-0.
Injury Report
Battlehawks (relatively healthy heading into Week 4):
WR Hakeem Butler — questionable (lingering undisclosed injury from earlier reports; monitored closely after limited practice).
No other major designations reported; the offensive line and key defensive pieces are expected available.
Defenders (depth tested but mostly intact):
Minor depth concerns on the defensive line and secondary noted in recent practice reports, but no Week 4 starters ruled out. QB Jordan Ta’amu and the core skill players are full participants.
Both teams are managing typical early-spring wear-and-tear, with the Battlehawks’ receiver availability the primary watch item.
Probable Quarterbacks & Key Player Matchups
Battlehawks: QB Brandon Silvers (veteran spring-league stalwart; high-completion passer with experience in the system, efficient in the Week 1 win over D.C.).
Defenders: QB Jordan Ta’amu (reigning UFL champion and MVP candidate; dual-threat leader with elite arm talent and mobility). Key Position Player Matchups/Notes (based on 2026 trends and Week 1 H2H):
D.C. threats vs. Silvers: RB Deon Jackson (physical runner who scored in the opener) and WR group exploiting St. Louis’ secondary; Ta’amu’s deep ball could test the Battlehawks’ coverage.
St. Louis threats vs. Ta’amu: WR Gary Jennings Jr. (big-play threat) and RB Jarveon Howard (11 carries for 45 yards in Week 1); the Battlehawks’ pass rush (seven sacks in the opener) will pressure Ta’amu early.
Overall edge: Slight home advantage to D.C. with Ta’amu’s experience, but St. Louis’ defensive front creates consistent disruption.
Series History
This is the second meeting of 2026 (and part of a long-standing rivalry dating back to XFL days). St. Louis leads the current season series 1-0 after the 16-10 defensive battle in Week 1, where the Battlehawks’ seven sacks and two interceptions shut down D.C.’s offense in the second half. Historically, the clubs have split closely contested games, with home teams holding a slight edge in recent years. Expect physical, low-turnover football typical of this matchup.
Betting Trends
D.C. is strong as home favorites coming off non-conference wins; unders have hit in four of the last five Battlehawks-Defenders meetings when defenses dominate early. St. Louis has covered as a road dog in tight rivalry spots, while Audi Field games trend slightly over in mild weather.
GAME ODDS
St. Louis Battlehawks 46.5
D.C. Defenders – 3
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
